Laura's House raises $70,000 for abuse victims

Sept. 2, 2015

Updated 3:23 p.m.

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Members from the three branches of the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley received 350 backpacks from Flour Enterprises in Aliso Viejo in August. The donation was part of the company's annual Building Futures program. In 2015, more than 15,000 backpacks will be distributed by Fluor employees in 43 locations around the world. COURTESY OF FLOUR ENTERPRISES

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Norm Jones, right, of the local Elks Lodge with Pattie Church of Laguna Niguel at an event recognizing her son, Chase, a military member who died in service. PICASA , COURTESY OF MISSION VIEJO/SADDLEBACK VALLEY ELKS LODGE

Members from the three branches of the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley received 350 backpacks from Flour Enterprises in Aliso Viejo in August. The donation was part of the company's annual Building Futures program. In 2015, more than 15,000 backpacks will be distributed by Fluor employees in 43 locations around the world. COURTESY OF FLOUR ENTERPRISES

Laura’s House, South County’s domestic abuse shelter, raised more than $70,000 during its third annual Hope Golf Tournament, Aug. 10, at the Marbella Country Club in San Juan Capistrano.

The funds will help the Ladera Ranch nonprofit support domestic violence victims with shelter, counseling and legal services and raise awareness for the cause.

CHARITY TEAMS UP WITH MOVING COMPANY

Laura’s House is joining forces with Meathead Movers, a student and athlete moving company, to help move domestic violence victims out of abusive homes.

The moving company will donate services to victims who need to move to a shelter, relocate to transitional housing and finally move to their own residence. Over the past 20 years, the nonprofit has helped more than 50,000 victims with shelter, counseling, life skills or legal assistance.

Servicemen’s moms on hand for honors

The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge held its first annual Gold Star luncheon last month honoring nine servicemen — including Laguna Niguel’s Chase Church — who died while serving their country.

Elk and retired Col. Thomas Banning III opened the ceremony with the help of a presentation of colors by the Color Guard, U.S. Marine Corps 1st Battalion 5th Marine Regiment from Camp Pendleton. Dave Perry, master of ceremonies and lodge veterans committee chairman, introduced keynote speaker and retired Marine Col. Greg Raths.

Then, Elks Veteran members presented the Medals of Valor to the mothers of nine fallen warriors, including Church’s mother, Pattie.

A.V. MAN GRADUATES FROM TRAINING

Air Force Airman Christopher Baptista has graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio in Texas. He completed an eight-week program that included military discipline, physical fitness and basic warfare skills.

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